Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Bowery Ballroom
DOWNLOAD HI-RES
DOWNLOAD HI-RES
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs played three shows in the New York area to kick off their tour for their new album Show Your Bones. I went to their second show on Friday at the Bowery Ballroom. The crowd filled up early and lots of fancy cameras were unsheathed in anticipation. Unfortunately, we (the people with cameras) were told by the Bowery Enforcers as we tried to take pictures that no flashes were allowed; it was clarified later that no professional photography (ie 35mm/SLR) was allowed. Apparently, a few people were thrown out because of this. If you ask me, it is because Karen O did not want to appear in a magazine wearing a plastic gem encrusted leotard—a second-grade ballerina’s dream—because some might question its awesomeness. She harnessed the enchantment of this costume to twirl and stomp around the stage all the while bearing this creepy but endearing smile. Her moves were more than just shifting around the stage but an interpretive dance to each song, sometimes involving giant neon plumage.
DOWNLOAD HI-RES
DOWNLOAD HI-RES
The band did not interact with each other much during the show. Nick was in a different world where he looked and acted like a rockstar, bending notes on his guitar and triggering samples. Brian seemed to be the closest to reality and was having fun watching them both. The new touring member, Imaad Wasif, kept shadowed in the background. They played mostly new stuff but I think it prevented the crowd from really getting into the music. Some people will dance regardless but I think to engage the entire crowd, known songs are going to get more of a reaction. All this new stuff also caused idiots in the crowd to continuously shout for songs they wanted to hear. The other two shows were reportedly a bit more high energy.
Other reviews here, here, here, here, and here. MP3s of songs off the new album here and here.
Set List:
Cheated Hearts | Way Out | Black Tongue | Honey Bear | Mysteries | Down Boy | Gold Lion | Happy Birthday (to KO's Mom) | Phenomena | Miles Away | Warrior | Turn Into | encore | Maps | Our Time | Modern Romance
More non-professional pics and after the jump. Also more hi-res downloads per request from two photographers who were threatened by the Bowery Enforcers.
